Nick Jonas Opens Up About Anxiety Attack at Golden Globes 2026
Pop sensation Nick Jonas has candidly revealed that he experienced a severe anxiety attack while walking the red carpet at the 2026 Golden Globes ceremony. The musician described the overwhelming moment as hitting him "like a gut punch" in a social media exchange that has sparked important conversations about mental health in high-pressure environments.
The Red Carpet Incident
During the prestigious awards event, Jonas was captured on video stepping away from the main red carpet area to seek fresh air outside the venue. The footage showed him drinking water and visibly attempting to calm himself down. When an X user posted the video with the caption "social anxiety got the best of him," Jonas responded with his honest admission about the intensity of his experience.
"Yeah...it hit me like a gut punch," the singer-songwriter confirmed, bringing attention to how even celebrities in glamorous settings can struggle with mental health challenges.
Understanding Social Anxiety
Dr. Rahul Chandhok, Head Psychiatrist and Head Consultant of Mental Health and Behavioural Science at Artemis Hospitals, explains that social anxiety represents "a pervasive and often enfeebling psychological condition" characterized by extreme fear of social situations and interactions.
The symptoms manifest across multiple dimensions:
- Physical symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, trembling, nausea, and breathing difficulties
- Emotional symptoms: Extreme self-consciousness, overwhelming dread, or panic in social settings
- Behavioral symptoms: Complete avoidance of social situations or enduring them with significant discomfort
Anxiety Attacks vs. Panic Attacks
Dr. Namita Ruparel, Assistant Professor at Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences, clarifies the distinction between anxiety attacks and panic attacks. While both share similar physical manifestations, they differ significantly in their onset and psychological underpinnings.
Anxiety attacks typically involve:
- Fear related to specific occurrences or potential problems
- A chain of unpleasant thoughts accompanied by worry, tension, and nervousness
- Intrusive thoughts about future events
- Gradual buildup over time rather than sudden onset
- Physical changes including altered heart rate, blood pressure, and insulin levels
Panic attacks, in contrast, feature:
- Sudden, unexpected onset without warning
- Feelings of uncontrollable fear that prevent clear environmental processing
- Physical symptoms including shaking, chest pain, temperature fluctuations, and detachment from self
- Often unrelated to immediate reality, arising from perceived threats
Managing Anxiety and Panic Episodes
Both experts emphasize the importance of awareness and proper diagnosis when experiencing these symptoms. Dr. Ruparel notes that "the psychological backdrop of an anxiety attack is the uncertainty of the future, prolonged with an intention to diffuse the threat."
Recommended coping strategies include:
- Meditation practices to calm the mind
- Relaxation techniques to reduce physical tension
- Breathing exercises to regulate physiological responses
- Professional assessment for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning
Nick Jonas's public acknowledgment of his experience serves as a powerful reminder that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of status or setting. His openness contributes to reducing stigma and encouraging others to seek support when facing similar difficulties.
